Norah struggled against his grip, her heart beating loudly in her ears as his breath continued to pool against her skin, dampening it. "Oh yeah? Why not?" Her own voice was cold, hints of the panic pushed back, "it's not like you can make me want to leave you more."

"You never learned how to keep your damn mouth shut. Always bitching on and on, running your mouth like a little girl with no fucking manners." He snapped, his hand tugging her head back as a yelp escaped Norah, "how 'bout I fucking teach you how to keep yourself quiet for once in your life?"

Norah had an amused look upon her face and she reeled her head back for a moment before she spit in his face. His face twisted into that of pure hatred and anger, his eyes lighting ablaze as his hand left her hair, only to soon join his other, wrapped firmly around her throat, pressing.

Norah's eyes grew wide, her hands tugging and pulling, fighting against Dallas as her legs kicked. She could feel her throat tightening and closing off as she gasped for air, trying so desperately to fight back. Her hands pulled at his as she gasped for air, struggling to make out words.

As she got a lung full of air, her voice broke through the desperate gasps, "D-Dallas... p-please..." Her voice was raspy, quiet as tears welled at her eyes and quickly spilled over.

Her pleas of forgiveness, her desperate struggles and clinging to life didn't matter as Dallas' fingers tightened around her throat, squeezing with pent-up anger and rage. She could feel the breath slipping from her as it became harder and harder to struggle, her hands slowly falling from his as her arms fell limp against her sides. Norah's eyes fluttered, heavier by the second as the life slipped away from her.

***

Norah suddenly shot up in bed, gasping for air as her hands darted to her throat, feeling for the hands that were just pressing against it a few short moments ago. Her heart was beating loudly, blazing in her ears as her body was covered in sweat, the sheets around her damp and clinging to her. A broken sob erupted from her as tears quickly spilled over, her voice carrying through the apartment. She couldn't control herself now as her body shook and she clung desperately to the blankets, pulling them around herself.

Gabriele had been laying on the couch, in and out of sleep as thoughts consumed him, work always finding its way into his head. He was almost asleep once more before he heard a concerning sound and his eyebrows furrowed as sleep tugged at his body, his arm propped behind his head as his other scratched at his bare chest. When the noise echoed through the apartment once more, he groaned and opened his eyes, his body heavy as he picked himself up, sitting up on the couch.

He looked around, taking a deep breath before a yawn erupted from him and he stretched his arms above his head. Once again the noise broke out and he looked towards the source, his face twisted into confusion as it was coming from the bedroom. Pulling himself up from the couch, his steps were heavy as he carried himself towards the bedroom. He rested his hand against the door frame as he looked into the dark room, his other hand rubbing tiredly at an eye before he yawned again.

It was then he noticed Norah, curled up and huddled in the corner of the bed, the sheets, and the blanket wrapped around herself as broken sobs filled the air.

"Norah?" He asked, confusion in his voice as he reached over and flicked on the switch, the light suddenly flooding the room.

Norah flinched, her body tense as her sobs suddenly stopped, her breath hitched in her throat.

"Norah, what's wrong?" Gabriele asked, concerned as he came rushing over to her, not even thinking whether or not he should.

Norah sobbed, looking at Gabriele fearfully and terrified, which broke his heart as he kneeled on the ground next to the bed, his hands resting near her. "What happened?" He asked, his voice soft and gentle.

"It... It was so real..." She barely managed to get out before another sob erupted and tears spilled down her face. Gabriele frowned, reaching over and grabbing the box of tissues before carefully placing them into her hands.

"Nightmare?" He asked, getting a nod from the woman. He sighed, chewing on his lip as he lowered his head, "I know you probably don't want to talk about it, but I'm here, alright?" She nodded.

He thought for a few moments, looking down once more before raising his head and tilting it so he could her in the eyes. "Would you like me to stay with you?" He asked quietly. She nodded once more, sniffling as she grabbed a handful of tissues and began to wipe at her face.

Gabriele lifted himself and carefully crawled into the bed, sitting next to her before gently reaching out and rubbing her back. His touch was soft, delicate, he hoped it would soothe and calm her, but when she flinched, he pulled his hand back slightly. Norah hiccupped as his hand pulled away from her back and as she relaxed, she leaned back a little to encourage him.

"It's okay. I'm not going to hurt you. You're safe. I promise." Gabriele spoke, his words sounding so promising.

She wanted to believe in them.

She was tired, beyond exhausted. Her face was red and puffy from all of the crying and her chest hurt, her heart aching badly. It seemed no matter where she went, Dallas would find her. Even in her dreams. No matter what she did that man would always be plaguing her. She was tired of it all, tired of running, tired of pretending, tired of hiding. She just wanted to live her best life and as long as he was out there and she was alive, she would never truly be free.

Gabriele sat in silence with Norah until she seemed to be finally calming down, sleep tugging at his body but he pushed the urge to fall asleep back as much as he could. He would doze off a couple of times, only to be startled awake by a hiccup or broken sob or sniffle. He felt so bad for the girl, she seemed to be really having it hard and he was curious to know what she was running from that had her so spooked. He chewed on his lip, his hand still rubbing reassuringly against her back, occasionally a quiet 'shhh' and an 'it's okay' escaping his lips to try and soothe her.

Norah took a deep breath, slowly calming herself as she let it out, closing her eyes before bringing tissues to her face and wiping the tears away. She blew her nose and pushed the wet, used tissues into a pile before falling back into the pillows. Only what she fell into instead was a warm body. Gabriele tensed as she leaned against his chest and shoulder and his hand paused as it was pinned behind her. His breath hitched as he waited for her to spook and run away - only instead of fleeing, she curled up further into him.

Gabriele was safe, she felt as if the man could bring her no harm. She didn't know why she believed this, maybe it was in her exhausted state her mind wasn't thinking. She didn't trust people to begin with, and here she was exposing her inner demons to a complete stranger she had just met. Here she was, curled up in his bed, in his arms, breathing in his scent. It didn't matter though. For the moment she would take the comfort and the safety he offered, she'd figure out her life later. All she wanted now was sleep.

A gentle smile spread across his lips as he gingerly wrapped an arm around her, "you aren't a burden you know... you can stay here as long as you'd like..." He murmured as she snuggled into his side, the blankets pressing against his face.

He wanted to protect her, keep her safe. She deserved that much at least.

Norah's eyes grew heavy as she rested her head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat and how relaxing and soothing it was, the gentle rise of his chest as he breathed. The way his arm kept her close was comforting and the scent of embers and wood wafted through her nose once more, reminding her of home. Her breathing evened out as sleep finally washed over her once more.